New York City is filled with iconic views, and nothing beats seeing the skyline from a towering observation deck. But with so many choices, which one is best for your family adventure—Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt? Both offer unique experiences, but depending on your family’s interests, one might suit you better than the other. Let’s break down the main differences, so you can decide which one is right for your next trip to the Big Apple!
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1. Location and Accessibility
- Top of the Rock: Located at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, Top of the Rock is a convenient stop for families. It’s right near popular tourist spots like Times Square and Central Park, making it easy to fit into your day’s itinerary.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One Vanderbilt is also in Midtown, but it’s perched on top of One Vanderbilt, a newer skyscraper right next to Grand Central Terminal. It’s perfect if you’re planning to visit other Midtown landmarks like the New York Public Library, Bryant Park or shopping on 5th Avenue.
Winner for Location: Tie! Both are centrally located and easy to reach, especially if your family is touring Midtown.
2. Views and Atmosphere
- Top of the Rock: This observation deck is known for its open-air, 360-degree views of iconic NYC landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and beyond. The outdoor spaces give a classic NYC skyline feel, with plenty of room to roam. If you want pictures, you’ll be able to snap photos without a glass barrier.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One takes your NYC views to the next level—literally and figuratively. This ultra-modern observation deck mixes glass walls, mirrored floors, and art installations for a more interactive experience. You’ll see the Chrysler Building, Central Park, and even the Hudson River, but in a futuristic setting that feels like a blend of art and tech.
Winner for Views: Top of Rock for being able to get views unobstructed by glass. Both spots will give you jaw dropping views, but at Summit One you’ll always be behind glass, even on the open air level.
3. Kid-Friendly Features
- Top of the Rock: Top of the Rock has a more traditional observation deck experience, which can be a fun and laid-back outing for families. There are no crazy lines or overwhelming features, so it’s a great option for families with young kids or those who want a relaxed, no-frills visit.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One is more like an experience than just a view. The Air room, with its mirrored floors and infinity-like reflections, can be an absolute hit with older kids and teens. The balloon room is likely to be a hit with kids of all ages as the room is full of reflective silver helium balloons. The space is essentially a futuristic playroom! However, families with younger kids might find the whole experience overstimulating.There’s also Levitation, a glass sky box where you can stand suspended over the city—great for daredevils, but maybe a bit much for the faint of heart!
Winner for Kids: Summit One Vanderbilt for kids and teens who love cool, interactive experiences. Everything about the Summit One experience is fun and exciting and our kids loved it. Even the elevator ride up is an adventure!
4. Crowds and Wait Times
- Top of the Rock: Generally, Top of the Rock is less crowded than other observation decks, which can make for a more pleasant and calm experience. There are timed tickets, but you usually won’t face long waits once you’re in the building.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One is still fairly new, which means it’s a hot spot. You might encounter longer lines to enter as well as for the interactive elements like Levitation. If your family is okay with a bit of a wait, it’s worth it, but younger kids might get restless.
Winner for Crowds: Top of the Rock for a less hectic experience. Expect shorter lines and fewer crowds; however, even though the lines at Summit One were long, they moved pretty quickly.
5. Cost and Ticket Options
- Top of the Rock: Tickets for Top of the Rock start at around $40 for adults and $34 for children. There are family packages available that might save you a little cash. It’s on the lower end in terms of pricing for NYC observation decks.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One Vanderbilt is a bit pricier, with tickets starting at $42 for adults and $36 for children. If you want to try all the interactive experiences (like Levitation and Ascent, the glass elevator ride), expect to pay extra. There are also different ticket packages, so be sure to double-check what’s included before purchasing.
Winner for Cost: Top of the Rock is the more affordable option, especially if you’re looking for a classic experience without add-ons.
6. Time of Visit: Day vs. Night
- Top of the Rock: Top of the Rock is beautiful at any time of day. During the day, you can see clear views of Central Park and all the landmarks. At sunset, the sky puts on a beautiful show, and at night, the city lights come to life, offering a peaceful, almost magical experience.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One shines at sunset and nighttime when the mirrored floors and glass panels reflect the glowing city in mesmerizing ways. The light installations give the whole space a futuristic, dream-like vibe, which can be especially cool for families who love tech or art.
Winner for Time of Day: Summit One Vanderbilt for a spectacular sunset or night-time art experience. Perhaps even better than that is a sunny or partly sunny day. That’s when the main observation area, Air, really shines.
7. Family Photo Opportunities
- Top of the Rock: With wide, open-air platforms, Top of the Rock offers plenty of great photo spots. The view of the Empire State Building is iconic, and the space allows for family-friendly shots without feeling cramped.
- Summit One Vanderbilt: Summit One’s mirrored floors, glass walls, and interactive art installations offer a totally different photo experience. If your family is all about getting those “wow” shots for Instagram, this is the place to go. The reflections add an infinite variety of shots to take.
Winner for Photos: Summit One Vanderbilt. The glass, the mirrored floors and ceilings and other artsy installations make Summit One the hands down winner.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
- If you’re looking for a classic NYC experience with sweeping views and a relaxed vibe, Top of the Rock is the perfect pick. It’s affordable, easy to manage with younger kids, less crowded and offers some of the most iconic views in the city.
- On the other hand, if your family craves something more immersive, futuristic, and artsy, Summit One Vanderbilt is worth the splurge. Its interactive elements and ultra-modern design make it a memorable experience for older kids, teens, and families who love a bit of tech-driven fun.
Ultimately, both observation decks offer something unique, and you can’t go wrong with either choice; however if you have to choose one, choose Summit One Vanderbilt. It’s more than just an observation deck, it’s a one of a kind experience that you and your family will be talking about long after you leave.
If you want to learn more about Summit One Vanderbilt and our family’s experience click here.
ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE
Ready to take your family adventure to new heights? Whichever you choose—Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt—you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience with jaw-dropping views of New York City. But there’s more to New York City than just the observation decks. Check out our essential four day family itinerary for NYC as well as our guide on other fantastic things to do in New York with kids.
